 Finding the right job is often a frustrating process, especially if you don't have access to the right advice and support.
In this section you will find various tips on how to make the job search as efficient and effective as possible.
Included are tips on your CV, interviewing and resigning.
Happy Job-Hunting!
Your Approach
You will need to get focussed in your approach before even sitting down to write a new CV. There are a number of things that you can do initially:
Spend ½ hour alone making an assessment of your skills. What are you good at? What dont you enjoy? Be realistic. Dont ignore the negatives. Write the answers down. E.G. Are you good with people? If the answer is no, maybe project management isnt for you
.
Decide what level and type of remuneration you are looking for.
Next, work out what your short and long term career aspirations are. Where do you want your next position to take you?
Finally, clearly write down what your goals are. And stick to them.
Writing Your CV
Your CV is your individual sales document, and is the most important part of the interview process 70% of applications are rejected before an interview ever takes place and this is because of unsuitable CVs. Most applicants are rejected because the person simply isnt suitable for the position however a large proportion are rejected because of poor CVs - CVs that are messy, poorly written, difficult to find relevant information on or contain lots of spelling/grammatical mistakes.
Follow these sections, and put them in this order:
Name
Personal details
Personal summary
Skills matrix
Work history (in reverse chronological order)
Education (in reverse chronological order)
Interests and hobbies
References
Useful tips are:
Keep it precise a CV should never be longer than 3 pages.
Make it easy on the eye the easier to read, the more attention it will receive
Dont waffle. Ensure the relevant information is easily obtainable
Dont leave any gaps in time. This will simply throw up questions for your prospective employer.
Thoroughly check the CV. Get another party to check it. Spell check it. Grammar check it. Then do all of these again.
Never lie. You will be found out
Keep it up to date. Even if you have no intention of moving, review your CV every 6 months
Interviewing Tips
The interview process is daunting. Make no mistake about that if you go in with a blasι attitude you will not get the job. So how do you give yourself the best chance?
A few days before:
Read the job spec and match up your skills and experience to it.
Find out what the format will be for the interview (technical test, face-to-face, group session, etc.)
Research the company. Sources include websites, the press, annual reports, and brochures.
After researching the company, arm yourself with questions ready for the interview
Ensure you definitely know the location, time of interview and how to get there
Have a good nights sleep the night before
Pre-Interview:
Arrive in reception 10 minutes before you are supposed to
Dont smoke before you go in.
Turn your mobile phone off
Dress smartly. A suit and tie always works, no matter the environment
The Interview itself:
Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake
Be positive
Be honest
Be confident, but not arrogant
Do not criticise previous employees
Give examples of real situations when giving answers
Clearly explain what your individual part was when giving examples (i.e. use I, not we)
Ask the interviewer about the next step at the end
After the interview:
Straight away, write down who you saw and how long it lasted. Split the interview up into parts; make a note of where things went well and where things went badly. This will help you in future interviews.
Telephone your agent. He/she will be just as anxious as you! It will also help them to have your feedback when discussing your application with the client.
Resignation Letter
Most contracts stipulate that to finish a period of continuous employment a notice period needs to be worked, and written notice needs to be given, which will be kept on file.
Therefore, a written resignation letter is needed. For most people, this is a pretty daunting task, both in writing the letter and doing the deed. This section can at least help with the first part!
A letter should follow Ocham's Razor - a business rule which states the simplest way is often the best way.
This letter should be handed in person to your immediate supervisor.
One good example is:
The date (essential)
Dear (your supervisor),
I am writing to inform you of my decision to leave (your current company), and am therefore giving you written notice of a week/month/3 months as stipulated in my contract.
I have been at (your current company) for (xx) years, and feel it is now time to move on. I would like to thank (your current company) for all the time, training and effort invested in me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, and wish you and the team all the best for the future, both personally and in business.
Many thanks,
Your Name
This letter is simple, yet effective. It certainly does not burn any bridges, and ensures the transition period of your leaving will be smooth.
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